Spring Training Record: 3-7 (45 RS, 47 RA)
Spring Training Schedule This Week: Mon. OFF, vs. Braves (Tues. on YES), vs. Dominican Republic (Weds. on YES), @ Cardinals (Thurs.), @ Marlins (Fri.), vs. Braves (Sat. on YES) @ Blue Jays (Sun.)

Top stories from last week:

• Brian Cashman confirmed the Yankees have made a “significant offer” to Robinson Cano. A deal is not imminent and the two sides remain pretty far apart. It’s obvious the club would like to get this done before Cano hits free agency.
• Johnny Damon said he has “tons of interest” in returning to the Yankees following Curtis Granderson‘s injury, but the team is not interested. They also don’t have interest in Vlad Guerrero. The Yankees do, however, have interest in Chien-Ming Wang and had “major interest” in Javy Vazquez before he blew out his knee, but they don’t have interest in Kyle Lohse.
• Injury News: Derek Jeter (ankle) has begun moving side-to-side during fielding drills. Phil Hughes (back) has resumed throwing, though he may not be ready in time for the start of the season. Kevin Youkilis (oblique) was shut down for a few days but has since returned to the lineup. Boone Logan (elbow) and Slade Heathcott (thumb) will but shut down for a few days even though MRIs came back clean. David Adams (back) has started swinging a bat and could soon begin more intense workouts.
• Gary Sanchez and Mason Williams both cracked Baseball Prospectus’ top 101 prospects list. Rafael DePaula and Abi Avelino were ranked among the top Dominican Summer League prospects by Baseball America. Dellin Betances will open the year as a starter with Triple-A Scranton.
• Joba Chamberlain still wants to be a starter. Melky Mesa withdrew from the World Baseball Classic because of the open left field job.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Spring Training Record: 1-1 (8 RS, 5 RA)
Spring Training Schedule This Week: @ Orioles (Mon.), @ Phillies (Tues.), vs. Orioles (Weds. on YES), vs. Blue Jays (split squad, Thurs. on YES), @ Astros (split squad, Thurs), vs. Phillies (Fri. on YES), vs. Red Sox (Sat. on YES), @ Red Sox (Sun. on YES)

Top stories from last week:

• Hall Steinbrenner is reportedly “freaked out” over the reaction to his plan to get payroll under the $189 million luxury tax threshold by next season. The owner confirmed Scott Boras knows they’re willing to discuss a “significant” contract for Robinson Cano.
• Injury News: Curtis Granderson (forearm) will mess ten weeks following a hit-by-pitch. Derek Jeter (ankle) continues to ramp up his workouts. Phil Hughes (back) has a bulging disk and figures to miss at least two weeks. Michael Pineda (shoulder) will stretch out his bullpen sessions and begin throwing changeups soon. Mark Montgomery (back) has resumed throwing off a mound. Relief prospect Nick Goody (ankle) has been shut down following a car accident.
• Despite Hughes’ injury, the Yankees do not have interest in Kyle Lohse. They are also unwilling to give up a good prospect for Alfonso Soriano, though that as before Granderson’s injury.
• Mason Williams, Slade Heathcott, Gary Sanchez, and Tyler Austin all ranked among Baseball America’s top 100 prospects.
• Melky Mesa, Walt Ibarra, Gil Velazquez, Juan Cedeno, and Pat Venditte will all participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
• The Yankees are officially the Evil Empire, at least when the phrase is used in relation to baseball.
• David Price took back his comments after saying he wouldn’t sign long-term with the Yankees.
• Frankie Cervelli does not had an option remaining despite recent reports to the contrary.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

Spring Training Schedule This Week: @ Braves (Sat.), vs. Blue Jays (Sun. on YES)

Top stories from last week:

• Pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training on Tuesday, though Alex Rodriguez will not be in with the team in camp. He’ll remain in New York to continue his rehab from left hip surgery. Joe Girardi discussed a number of topics during his start-of-camp press conference.
• There is a “significant difference” in valuation during talks between the Yankees and Robinson Cano about a long-term contract. The team has not yet discussed an extension with either Phil Hughes or Curtis Granderson, who would like to remain with the team. Andy Pettitte isn’t sure if he’ll pitch in 2014, though Mariano Rivera has already made his decision. He said he would have retired in the offseason had he been able to pitch in the playoffs. Rivera will let everyone know his plans before Opening Day.
• Injury News: CC Sabathia (elbow) threw off a mound for the first time since having a bone spur removed. Derek Jeter (ankle) has started running and was given the “green light” to ramp up his rehab. He has a plate and screws in his ankle. Michael Pineda (shoulder) started throwing off a full mound and is on track to face hitters next month. The team is taking it easy on Boone Logan (elbow) early in camp. David Adams (back) is about a week behind. Cesar Cabral (elbow) continues throwing off a mound.
• The Yankees acquired reliever Shawn Kelley from the Mariners for Abe Almonte. Alex Rodriguez (hip) was placed on the 60-day DL to clear a 40-man roster spot.
• The Yankees continue to look for a veteran pitcher to stash in Triple-A, and they plan to scout Chien-Ming Wang in the World Baseball Classic. Frankie Cervelli withdrew from the WBC.
• The Yankees and Ticketmaster formed the Yankees Ticket Exchange.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees signed Juan Rivera to a minor league contract, adding another body to the right-handed outfield bat Spring Training competition. Russ Canzler was claimed off waivers by the Orioles.
• Hal Steinbrenner confirmed there has been a “a conversation or two” about an extension for Robinson Cano. Felix Hernandez agreed to a monster extension with the Mariners, so he won’t be wearing pinstripes anytime soon.
• Injury News: CC Sabathia (elbow) doesn’t expect to be far behind in Spring Training. Derek Jeter (ankle) expects to resume running in a few weeks. Michael Pineda (shoulder) continues to throw from a half-mound and could get up on a full mound by next week. Manny Banuelos (elbow) has started throwing as part of his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Jose Campos (elbow) has completed his rehab and will be ready for Opening Day. Mason Williams (shoulder) is close to 100%.
• Brian Cashman confirmed that catcher candidate Frankie Cervelli can be sent to the minors without having to clear waivers this year. Cervelli was connected to the South Florida clinic that alleged distributed performance-enhancing drugs.
• Gary Sanchez, Williams, Tyler Austin, Slade Heathcott, and Jose Ramirez all cracked Keith Law’s top 110 prospects list. Sanchez topped my annual Preseason Top 30 Prospects List. Law ranked New York’s farm system the tenth best in baseball.
• The Yankees are still considering moving Brett Gardner to center field this year.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The biggest story of the week, by far, was Alex Rodriguez‘s inclusion in a report regarding a South Florida performance-enhancing drug peddler. MLB is performing an investigation and the Yankees will not comment until that is complete.
• Meanwhile, the Yankees added a new left-handed hitting DH, signing Travis Hafner to a one-year contract worth $2M plus incentives. New York also signed Juan Rivera to a minor league contract, and they continue to seek a right-handed hitting outfielder. Russ Canzler was designated for assignment to clear room on the roster for Hafner.
• Injury News: Michael Pineda (shoulder) threw off a half-mound for the first time since surgery last May. Derek Jeter (ankle) resumed baseball activities down in Tampa.
• The Yankees announced their Spring Training invitees, which include top prospects Gary Sanchez, Slade Heathcott, and Tyler Austin. Sanchez, Austin, and Mason Williams made MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospects List.
• Andy Pettitte will not pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in a few weeks.
• Michael Kay signed a new multi-year contract with the YES Network.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees were not close to acquiring either Justin Upton or Scott Hairston, who landed with the Braves and Cubs, respectively. They did not make Pedro Feliciano an offer before he signed with the Mets, but they did discuss Delmon Young. New York had no interest in George Kottaras.
• The Yankees did strike two deals last week. First they signed David Robertson to a one-year contract worth $3.1M to avoid arbitration, then they signed DH-type Dan Johnson to a minor league pact.
• Alex Rodriguez could miss the entire 2013 season due to his hip injury, and both MLB and the DEA are probing a trainer with connections to A-Rod. Meanwhile, Kevin Youkilis and Kevin Long are working on new hitting mechanics.
• Andy Pettitte has until February 20th to decide on participating in the World Baseball Classic.
• There’s a chance the 2014 payroll plan will be less lucrative than anticipated.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees handled most of their arbitration business last week, agreeing to one-year contracts with Phil Hughes ($7.15M), Boone Logan ($3.15M), and Joba Chamberlain ($1.875M) . David Robertson did not reach an agreement, so the two sides filed salary figures with the league.
• Injury News: Alex Rodriguez (hip) had surgery and there was minimal cartilage damage. Derek Jeter (ankle) has been cleared to resume baseball activities.
• The Mariners traded for Mike Morse, whom the Yankees had some interest in acquiring. The Nationals signed Rafael Soriano, gifting the Yankees another supplemental first round draft pick. New York signed Reegie Corona and Thomas Neal to minor league deals.
• Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, and Frankie Cervelli will participate in the World Baseball Classic this spring. Andy Pettitte is not on the Team USA roster, however.
• Jorge Posada will not attempt a comeback, but he will be in camp as a guest instructor during Spring Training.
• The owners have tentatively approved three rule changes. Once the union signs off they will be implemented in 2013.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees had interest in a reunion with Lance Berkman, but he instead signed with the Rangers. The team is not looking for bullpen help and they don’t have interest in Delmon Young. They also didn’t call about Chipper Jones.
• Injury News: Mariano Rivera (knee) is at about 95% as he rehabs from surgery. He’ll being throwing in a week or so. There is still no date set for Alex Rodriguez‘s hip surgery.
• The Yankees claimed Russ Canzler off waivers from the Indians and designated Chris Dickerson for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot.
• Austin Romine is likely to begin the season back in Triple-A.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• Despite signing Matt Diaz to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training, the Yankees are likely to continue looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder. They did not make an offer to Raul Ibanez before he signed with the Mariners.
• Robinson Cano will not be allowed to play in the Dominican Winter League postseason next month.
• The Yankees added former Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu to their pro scouting staff.
• New batting practice hats were leaked.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.

2012 Record: 95-67 (804 RS, 668 RA, 96-66 pythag. record), won AL East, swept in ALCS

Top stories from last week:

• The Yankees didn’t add any players last week, though a number of (potential) targets agreed to deals elsewhere: Raul Ibanez (Mariners), Stephen Drew (Red Sox), Nick Swisher (Indians), Cody Ross (Diamondbacks), and A.J. Pierzynski (Rangers). Ibanez and Drew were the only ones linked to New York this offseason.
• Brian Cashman said the team will not pursue further rotation upgrades, though they continue to seek a right-handed bat. There’s “no chance” they will pursue Michael Bourn.
• Injury News: Michael Pineda (shoulder) and Cesar Cabral (elbow) are throwing off flat ground from “extended distances.” Top prospect Jose Campos (elbow) is throwing off a mound.
• The Ichiro Suzuki signing became official. Both right-hander Jim Miller and left-hander Josh Spence were outrighted to Triple-A.
• The Yankees will field a second rookie level Gulf Coast League affiliate in 2013. They’re also considered moving top prospect Tyler Austin back to third base. Cuban left-hander Omar Luis Rodriguez is still waiting for his visa.
• The 2012 luxury tax bill is $19.3M, though MLB made an error in the initial calculation and had to revise the bill.

Please take a second to answer the poll below and give us an idea of how confident you are in the team. You can view the interactive Fan Confidence Graph anytime via the nav bar above, or by clicking here. Thanks in advance for voting.